The music video i directed for Bill Madden was featured on MTVu as the “best video of the week.” Its on the front page right now! There was also a very nice review written by one of MTVu’s film critics, check it out below…..
‘Gone’ Fuses Art and Activism
In today’s world of glitz and glamour, flashy music videos full of materialism and excess seem right at home. In this sense, “Gone” is a music video apart. It is a daring cinematic achievement that goes beyond looking pretty to make a bold statement about the real and pressing issue of global warming.
Director Andrew David Watson, a graduate of Temple University, masterfully crafted the music video for the song “Gone” by musician/activist Bill Madden. The song addresses the need to stop the harmful progression of global warming before it is too late. Undaunted by undertaking a video for such a loaded song, Watson rises to the challenge with the production of “Gone.”
In the film, Watson creates a futuristic world where industry is king and children are forced to wear gas masks while playing. The video follows one little boy, played by Johnny Pulcinella, on his quest to find a safe place to play. Watson also creates a unique plotline by shifting back and forth between the future environmental crisis, and the world if the effects of global warming are reversed.
Set amongst the industrial ruins surrounding a pollution billowing Inolex chemical factory, the backdrop proves to be the perfect choice. Waston uses quick-cutting shots of the smoke belching factory and abandoned buildings to create a grotesque picture of the world should man completely overpower nature.
Watson’s tight action shots are truly a sight to behold. One shot of the boy riding his bike, face covered by a gasmask, is genuinely haunting. Another especially breathtaking scene shows the boy running through a flowered field totting a shoebox with a dead bird inside.
The film also features a number of close-ups on key elements. These images, like the one of the lifeless bird on the ground, are full of symbolism and beauty. Forcing the viewer to see the deathly effects of pollution, these images are the gripping images that stick with you long after the film is over.
Overall, “Gone” is a remarkable fusion of artistry and activism. The film possesses more depth and passion in its 3 minute run than most full-length films.
Whitney Van Cleave
MTVu
